A1 Journal article (refereed)
International Student Migration in Finland : The Role of Graduation on Staying (2021)

Mathies, C., & Karhunen, H. (2021). International Student Migration in Finland : The Role of Graduation on Staying. Journal of International Students, 11(4), 874-894. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v11i4.2427

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Mathies, Charles; Karhunen, Hannu

Journal or series: Journal of International Students

ISSN: 2162-3104

eISSN: 2166-3750

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 06/03/2021

Volume: 11

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 874-894

Publisher: STAR Scholars Network

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v11i4.2427

Persistent website address: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jis/article/view/2427

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/78818

Abstract

There is increasing attention on the retention of international students with many stakeholders desiring to keep international students for long-term economic growth. This study examines the factors affecting international students to stay in Finland five years after initial enrolment with particular focus on the role graduation plays in students staying or leaving. Tracking 11 (years) entering cohorts for five years across national (Finland) data registries, we found evidence of an inverse relationship between graduation, degree type, and the probability of staying; higher the degree level of graduation, the decrease in probability an international student stays. We conclude that while graduation is a key metric and discussion point in national and institutional policy, our findings suggest focusing on improving international students’ ability to integrate into a host country’s labor market and promotion of an environment conducive for international students’ families, more than graduation, would produce higher stay rates of international students.

Keywords: foreign students; international mobility; migratory movement (demography); studies in an institution of higher education; graduation; examinations (degrees); integration of migrants; labour market; education policy

Free keywords: academic success; graduation; international students; international student migration; stay rates

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1